Science of Beverages

What would you like? Coffee? Water? Soda? It’s all here as you learn about the science of beverages. Explore the solubility of gas in soda with a root beer fountain, find out what gives coffee its enticing aroma, and more.
- The Root Beer Fountain
This soda demo uses aluminum, but not how you might expect. Get ready for a soda eruption! - The Collapsing Can
The science doesn’t end when the beverage can is empty! Try this quick demo with an aluminum can. - Sinking Soda Surprise
Pull your favorite soda from a cooler of water and ice. Was it floating or sinking? And why? - Sewer Lice
Should students believe everything they hear or see? Use this soda and raisin demo to discuss observations and inferences. - Bubbly Soda Science
Serve up a personalized soda with just the right amount of fizz, flavor, and sweetness. All it takes is a little experimentation.
- The Secret Science of Soda
Learn what goes into that aluminum can and how it gets there. - Messy Chemistry
Mentos candies plus diet soda equals fun, messy chemistry! This small collection of links will get you started. - Undeserved Reputation? Aspartame, the Artificial Sweetener
Should we worry about drinking diet sodas with aspartame, or is it just getting a bad rap? - Measuring, Mentos, Soda, Gas Laws, and Coffee
Graph some soda explosions and take a look at a lab-like way to make coffee.
- The Aroma of Coffee
That heady smell of freshly brewed coffee has chemistry to thank. Take a look at the aroma compounds that play a role. - Chemistry in Every Cup
The coffee conflict—good for your health or something to avoid? Learn about the chemistry of what’s in the cup. - Foam on Your Latte
Don’t cry over spilled coffee. Ask the barista for a bit of foam and find out how it can help. - Brewing a Great Cup of Coffee Depends on Chemistry and Physics
Your brew vs. a barista brew. What's the difference?
- The Chemistry of Tea
Take time for a cup of tea and learn about the benefits of this beverage. - Tea and Taste
Milk first in the cup? Or last? What does science have to say? - The Science of Hot Drinks
Can holding a hot drink make you friendlier? This research may surprise you!
- Can Gases Dissolve in Water?
Join the club. Club soda, that is. Get ready to design an experiment about carbon dioxide. - Experiments with Priestley's Soda Water
Refresh yourself with some sparkling water. Then, head to the lab to explore this bubbling beverage. - Fluoride & Water Fluoridation - An Undeserved Reputation?
Is fluoride toothpaste enough, or do we need fluoride from another source? Get an overview of this controversial topic. - Water: No Dirt, No Germs
Chemistry helps to bring you safe drinking water. Try some of the processes yourself in this experiment. - How Humans Get in the Way of Clean Water
Science is just part of the situation. What else is at play? - Water Bottle, Inc.
It's not just what's inside the bottle. What's the impact of the container?
- Magic Butterfly Pea Lemonade
This beautiful pH indicator can add a beautiful color change to your afternoon refresher. - The Butterfly Pea Flower as a pH Indicator
Which colors can you brew up with this flower that's been making its way into different drinks? - Beverage Density Lab
Check out how much sugar is in your beverage of choice. - Patriotic Layered Density Drinks
Red, white, and blue can fill your glass, if you can figure out the right combination of drinks. - Make Boba for Bubble Tea
Concoct these squishy spheres in your kitchen, then add to cold tea. - Performance Drinks... Are They Safe?
Lots of people choose these alternatives to water. The issue is open for discussion. - Sports Drinks
These beverages can help keep athletes at the top of their game. What’s in this stuff? - Science Reveals Best In-Flight Beverage
Do you drink tomato juice when you fly, but not when your feet are firmly on the ground? Find out why.
(all sites accessed April 2020)